chapter 3 the crime scene 1 kendall/hunt publishing company1 the crime scene
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Chapter 3
The Crime Scene
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The Crime Scene
Chapter 3
The Crime Scene
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Crime Scene Investigation
Based on the scientific method, the Locard Exchange Principle, logic, and forensic techniques.
DEFINE: Locard Principle
Involves:
Recognition—scene survey, documentation, collection
Identification—classification of evidence
Individualization—comparison testing, evaluation, and interpretation
Reconstruction—sequencing events, reporting, and presenting
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Processing a Crime Scene Isolate and secure the scene - tape
Document the scene – pictures and notes
Search for evidence – search patterns
Collect and package evidence, maintaining the chain of custody -bags
Submit evidence to the crime lab for analysis – report
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DocumentationNotes—date, time, description of the location, weather and environmental conditions, description of the crime, location of the evidence relative to other key points, the names of all people involved, modifications that have occurred, and other relevant information
Photography—photos of scene and surroundings; mid-range to close-up photos with various angles of each piece of evidence; photos as viewed by any witnesses
Sketches—inclusion of date; time; scale; reference points; distance measurements; names of investigators, victims, suspects; a legend (key)
Videography—allows for narration (non-subjective) and different perspectives
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First Officer on the Scene
A Assess the crime scene and assist the injured
D Detain the witness
A Arrest the perpetrator
P Protect the crime scene
T Take notes
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Crime Scene Reconstruction
Stages
Data collection
Hypothesis formation
Examination, testing, and analysis
Determination of the significance of the evidence
Theory formulation
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Search Methods
Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes – search in a straight line
Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching
Wheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenes
Spiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers
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Crime Scene SketchDate: August 14, 2005 Criminalist: Ann Wilson
Time: 11:35 am Location: 4358 Rockledge Dr., St. Louis, Mo.
N
5 ft
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Collecting and Packaging EvidenceOne individual should be designated as the evidence collector to
ensure that the evidence is collected, packaged, marked, sealed, and preserved in a consistent manner, maintaining the chain of custody.
Each item must be placed in a separate container, sealed, and labeled.
The most fragile evidence is collected and packaged first.
Different types of evidence require specific or special collection and packaging techniques.
The body is the property of the coroner or medical examiner; collection of evidence on the body is done by that department.
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Packaging
Most items should be packaged in a primary container and then placed inside a secondary one.
These are then placed inside other containers such as paper bags, plastic bags, canisters, packets, or envelopes, depending on the type and size of the evidence.
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Chain of Custody There must be a written record of all people who
have had possession of an item of evidence, beginning at the time of collection.
The evidence container must be marked for identification.
The collector’s initials should be placed on the seal.
If evidence is turned over to another person, the transfer must be recorded.
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The Medical Examiner and the Coroner
A medical examiner is a medical doctor, usually a pathologist, and is appointed by the governing body of the area.
A coroner is an elected official who usually has no special medical training. In four states, the coroner is a medical doctor.
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Medical Examiner’s Responsibilities
Identify the deceased
Establish the time and date of death
Determine a medical cause of death (the injury or disease that resulted in the person dying)
Determine the mechanism of death (the physiological reason that the person died)
Classify the manner of deathNatural
Accidental
Suicide
Homicide
Undetermined
Notify the next of kin
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More Information
For additional information on crime scene investigation, check out truTV’s Crime Library:
www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/crimescene/5.html
On Michael Baden and the autopsy:
www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/autopsy/1.html